Image: Daniella Marie Agacer
ILOILO CITY, Philippines — Cases of dengue in Western Visayas have increased in the first half of 2024, the Department of Health (DOH) in the region reported.
From Jan. 1 to May 25 this year, the region recorded 3,192 cases and eight deaths of the mosquito-borne disease, the DOH said.
This represented a 22-percent increase of cases but fewer deaths compared to the same period in 2023, which had 2,606 cases and 14 deaths.
READ: DOH exec says Metro Manila has highest dengue cases for past 5 years
Iloilo province logged the most number of dengue incidents this year with 1,018; followed by Aklan, 508; Negros Occidental, 457; Capiz, 426; Antique, 241; Iloilo City, 222; Guimaras, 169; and Bacolod City, 151.
Three deaths each were recorded in Iloilo province and Negros Occidental while Aklan and Capiz had one death each.
According to the DOH, the cases affected individuals age 1 to 98 years old. Children age 1 to 10 years old were the most affected group while 54 percent of the cases involved men.
To prevent dengue, the DOH urged people to search and destroy mosquito breeding sites, secure self-protection, seek early consultation, support fogging in hot spot areas and sustain hydration.
Dengue is an infection caused by the Aedes aegypti mosquito and has no known cure.
The infection triggers a severe flu-like illness often followed by a severe drop in an infected person’s platelet count.
Among other symptoms are severe headache, pain behind the eyes, full-body aches, nausea, vomiting, swollen glands or rashes. —Ruchelle Denice Demaisip